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Job Title: Senior Scientist - TPO Polymer Formulation
Location: Insert Location
Employment Type: Full-Time
Experience Level: Senior (10+ years)
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled Senior Scientist with over 10 years of specialized experience in the formulation of Thermoplastic Polyolefin (TPO) polymers. The successful candidate will lead cutting-edge research and development efforts to design, optimize, and scale innovative TPO formulations for applications in automotive, roofing, medical, and other industries. This role demands deep technical expertise, strong analytical capabilities, and the ability to collaborate across teams to deliver high-performance, sustainable solutions that align with market and regulatory requirement's
Key Responsibilities:
- Formulation Development: Design and develop advanced TPO formulations, optimizing properties such as impact resistance, flexibility, UV stability, and processability for specific applications (e.g., automotive bumpers, roofing membranes, medical devices).
- Research & Innovation: Lead R&D projects to explore novel additives, fillers, compatibilizers, and blending techniques to enhance TPO performance, including recyclability and cost-efficiency.
- Process Optimization: Partner with manufacturing teams to transition formulations from lab-scale to commercial production, ensuring compatibility with processes like injection molding, extrusion, or thermoforming.
- Testing & Validation: Oversee comprehensive testing of TPO formulations for mechanical, thermal, and environmental performance, using standards like ASTM, ISO, or SAE. Analyze results to refine and troubleshoot formulations.
- Regulatory Compliance: Ensure formulations comply with industry regulations (e.g., REACH, RoHS, FDA for medical applications) and sustainability goals, such as reducing carbon footprint or incorporating recycled content.
- Technical Leadership: Mentor junior scientists, provide expertise to cross-functional teams (R&D, engineering, quality assurance), and communicate findings to stakeholders and clients.
- Project Management: Manage multiple projects concurrently, overseeing timelines, budgets, and deliverables to meet business objectives.
- Industry Trends: Monitor advancements in TPO technology, competitor products, and market needs to drive innovation and maintain a competitive edge.
Qualifications:
- Education: Ph.D. or Master's degree in Polymer Science, Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Chemistry, or a related field.
- Experience:
- 10+ years of hands-on experience in TPO polymer formulation, with a proven track record of developing commercially successful products.
- Expertise in TPO compounding, including polyolefin blends, elastomers, fillers, and additives for tailored performance.
- Strong knowledge of TPO processing techniques (e.g., injection molding, extrusion, blow molding) and scale-up to production.
- Skills:
- Advanced proficiency in analytical tools such as DSC, TGA, DMA, FTIR, and mechanical testing for polymer characterization.
- Familiarity with regulatory requirements for TPO applications in automotive, construction, or medical sectors.
- Excellent project management and communication skills, with the ability to convey complex technical data to diverse audiences.
- Collaborative approach with experience mentoring teams and working with cross-functional groups.
- Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with sustainable TPO formulations, such as bio-based or recycled polyolefins.
- Patents, publications, or presentations in TPO or polyolefin research.
- Knowledge of related polymer systems (e.g., TPE, PP, or EPDM) is a plus.
Why Join Us?
- Lead transformative projects in a rapidly evolving polymer industry.
- Collaborate with a global team of experts in a dynamic, innovative environment.
- Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional growth.